When influential Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats announced his endorsement of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, he drew the ire of former President Trump. On Truth Social, Trump criticized Vander Plaats, calling him a former High School Accountant from Iowa who hasn’t secured a victory in many years and has resorted to disinformation from the Democrats. The former president also questioned the authenticity of Vander Plaats after his endorsement, implying that it was a transactional decision.
Vander Plaats’s endorsement of DeSantis was motivated by the belief that the Republican Party needs a strong contender for the 2024 election. He praised DeSantis for his leadership in making Florida a solidly red state. However, Trump’s campaign responded with a mocking statement that belittled Vander Plaats’s endorsement and dismissed its significance.
Trump didn’t spare Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds either, predicting the end of her political career when she was expected to endorse DeSantis. He described their union as “extremely disloyal” and expressed confidence that “MAGA” (Make America Great Again) would no longer support her.
Despite these endorsements, Trump’s position as the front-runner in the Republican presidential race remains unshaken in national polling. The countdown to the Iowa caucuses, marking the beginning of the 2024 primary season, has begun.
DeSantis, on the other hand, gained the endorsement of Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), further intensifying the competition among potential candidates vying for the 2024 presidential race.
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